I've seen this on the blogosphere, but just in case you've missed it.
Lifescan has announced a recall on 25-count boxes of OneTouch Ultra blood glucose test strips with a lot number of 2829235. Boxes with 50 or 100 strips are not affected. And only boxes with the lot number are of concern. The lot number is printed on the outside of the box and on the label of each test strip vial.
According to LifeScan "a very small number of vials in this lot many contain strips that could product inaccurately low (my emphasis) blood glucose test results".
If you have any of these packages you can contact LifeScan at 1-866-247-1281 to get replacement strips. While waiting for replacements they advise "do not use the OneTouch Ultra Test Strips from lot number 2829235".
Dexcom has mentioned this possible market in presentations over the last year, so this was an expected market development for them.
Edwards Lifesciences will pay an upfront fee of $13 million and follow up with further payments for product development based on meeting regulatory milestones.
Dexcom's CEO has talked about a standalone Intensive Care Unit monitor in the past for in hospital use. But they also realize that the ICU is a crowded spaces and integrating the Dexcom system into existing equipment is important for product acceptance.
In intensive care, stress and other conditions means that patients' blood sugar control is often bad, even when they don't have diabetes. Tight glucose control leads to a faster recovery and better wound healing., leading to reduced costs and improved outcomes for patients. Currently about 25% of ICUs will try to do this using 12-24 fingersticks per 24 hours which costs a lot and keeps ICU staff busy. Using a CGM with programmable alarms leaves them with more time to care for patients.
In this agreement Edwards is responsible for sales and marketing. Given they already have a sales staff focused on the ICU market, this would be much more effective than growing an appropriate in-house staff at Dexcom. In return, Dexcom will receive a royalty of up to 7%.
For those of us, like myself, with Dexcom shares this might ultimately boost the share price which has been down substantially for some time now.
First of all, I've got to confess. I'm writing this at 9 PM, but using publish features to make it appear tomorrow. I'm still nursing some type of cold, so I can't wait until midnight to watch the blue circle come down in New York with 1000's of folks waving meters, syringes and pumps cheering wildly.
What will you be doing to bring attention to diabetes? Lots of buildings will be lit up in blue tomorrow evening. I'm going to wear my blue One Shot at a Time t-shirt from Five Humans. I'm afraid I'm such a publicity hound I'm almost tempted to color some of my teeth blue, but that might be going overboard... "So I guess Bernard's really lost it, must be that insulin he's been taking for years." This year's campaign for World Diabetes Day is focused on children with diabetes. This includes raising awareness of the signs of type 1 diabetes in children. It's hard to believe but this is sometimes misdiagnosed until children end up in DKA comas, which can be fatal.
So put on something blue, maybe wear a diabetes pin for the day. And if anyone asks why tell them a little about the warning signs of diabetes.
The Diabetes Technology Blog is focused on using technology to live life to the full with diabetes. I review new diabetes technology including: blood glucose monitors; continuous glucose monitors; blood sugar meters; diabetes software and living with diabetes.
About Me
Name: Bernard Farrell
Location: Massachusetts, United States
I was born in Ireland and now live in the US.
I have had Type 1 diabetes for over 36 years. I struggle with my blood sugar, the same as most people with diabetes.
I wear a Cozmo 1800 insulin pump and a Dexcom SEVEN Plus CGM to track my blood glucose levels.
I'm blessed by God, and every day brings the possibility of a cure.
Dexcom's CEO has 
